Ukraine played like an Italian team: good defence and scoring when they need to.

Ukraine’s approach possesses a striking similarity to tactics first showcased by Italy, whom they will meet next. For Marcello Lippi’s men, their 1-0 defeat of Australia with a last-minute Francesco Totti penalty represented a return to the style of play that was for a long time their trademark. Following Marco Materazzi’s dismissal early in the second period, Italy withstood Australia’s attacks before delivering a late killer blow.

On Friday in Hamburg, the pupil comes face to face with the master. And Shevchenko, although acknowledging that his team start out as outsiders, is optimistic. “Our task might be made a little easier by the fact that no one was expecting us to get this far. We’ve already exceeded expectations, so now the pressure is on Italy’s shoulders,” said the former Milan star.

Source: WCoffsite